Polar Express at Ely's Nevada Northern Railway

Starting Nov. 23, Ely's Nevada Northern Railway will be featuring its award-winning Polar Express to the North Pole. The Polar Express continues on select dates through Dec. 28.

Thursday, November 7th 2013, 4:44 PM PST

Updated:

Thursday, January 9th 2014, 12:47 PM PST

From Nevada Northern Railway:

Starting Nov. 23, Ely's Nevada Northern Railway will be featuring its award-winning Polar Express to the North Pole. The Polar Express continues on select dates through Dec. 28. There is a $5/ticket ‘Early Believer' discount if tickets are purchased by Sat., Nov. 9 before 5 p.m., either by phone (775-289-2085) or walk-in. Prices are $32/adult (13+), $16/child (4-12), free for toddlers, who still need a ticket. Ask for discounts for White Pine/Eureka residents ($6), as well as AAA, military/vets and Nevada Northern Railway members. Pajamas are encouraged. Snow is likely to turn Ely's panoramic landscape into a glistening, winter wonderland.

Nevada Northern Railway's Polar Express in Ely, NV, is licensed by Warner Bros. and recently won the award for Best Special Event in rural Nevada by the readers of Nevada Magazine (www.nevadamagazine.com). This award-winning vintage diesel train takes passengers on a magical ride to the North Pole.

A narrator reads Chris Van Allsburg's beloved story aloud, and songs from the popular movie soundtrack, featuring the voice of Tom Hanks, can be heard throughout the train. It's not long before servers bedecked in poufy white chef hats and white chef jackets spring down the aisles; serving each passenger with hot chocolate and a cookie. The Conductor calls out for the Engineer to take the 'magic switch' to the North Pole and the train is on its way to its magical destination.

The North Pole is a wonderland of colorful lights and décor; from Christmas trees and gifts to signs for the Candy Shoppe and Reindeer Barn. Passengers, most cloaked in cozy pajamas and blankets, are kept warm by the pellet stoves burning inside the train cars. Children press their noses against the glass, peering out in wonderment and anticipation.

The moment has arrived....Santa Claus and his trusty helper are waiting on the platform for the train to stop. The Conductor welcomes them aboard. Santa and his helper stop to greet the passengers and listen to their Christmas wishes. Cameras go click, click, click to record the smiling faces...these memories will be cherished for a lifetime. Before Santa leaves, his trusty helper leaves each guest with a silver sleigh bell -- a souvenir of the magical journey. This wondrous ride inspires all with the magic of believing. It is suitable for all...couples, friends and family - all the young and young at heart. The ride lasts about an hour. Nevada Northern Railway's award-winning Polar Express will inspire all to believe in the magic of Christmas.Nevada Northern Railway's Polar Express runs on select dates, November 23 – December 28 in Ely, NV; halfway between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City: 240 miles and less than 4 hours away in either direction. Trains run rain, shine, sleet or snow. Group rates are available for parties of 12 or more, with one person paying for the group; private charters also available. Consider a holiday party on the train for a unique and historic event.

For more on Nevada Northern Railway's Polar Express and Christmas in Ely, click on one or both of the following video links: Video of Polar Express in Ely by Philip Hermansen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN6xI0RCd-A

Beginning Nov. 20, the railroad will be featuring its Bucket List Bonanza online auction. The auction offers a great way to stock up on holiday presents at a fraction of the cost. Gift certificates are available for all offerings. For information on the auction, train rides and unique programs, including the opportunity to BE the Engineer and operate a locomotive, visit the website at www.nnry.com. "Like" us on www.facebook.com/nnry1; subscribe and see train videos at www.youtube.com/nnry1; and follow us on www.twitter.com/nnry1. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum, a National Historic Landmark, located at 1100 Avenue A at 11th Street East in Ely, Nevada is just 240 miles from Las Vegas and Salt Lake City (less than four hours by car). Open daily at 8 a.m., except Tuesdays.